1991 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 Rover 75
To start off, 2001 Rover 75 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Rover 75 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Rover 75 (175 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Rover 75 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Rover 75 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1991 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Lotus Esprit is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Rover 75, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Rover 75 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Rover 75 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Esprit | 2001 Rover 75 | |
| Make | Lotus | Rover |
| Model | Esprit | 75 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |
